Latest equestrian industry appointments

Mark Jeffreys has been elected to the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) board as director of sports development.

“We are extremely fortunate to be able to attract people of Marks experience and ability,” said chairman of the BEF board Keith Taylor.

“As a senior lecturer in sports coaching at the University of Gloucestershire, he could not be better equipped to lead the board portfolio of sports development.”

Seventeen-year-old model Rosie Tapner is now a “Hoof Ambassador” for the British Equestrian Federation.

Hoof is the organisation’s Olympic legacy project, aiming to attract more riders.

Rosie events, having come up through the ranks of the Pony Club on her horse Floyd. She has modelled for Balenciaga, Burberry, Chloe and Topshop and shot with British Vogue.

The Racecourse Newbury has a new head of communications in Andy Clifton. Andy will start in the newly created role on 1 September.

Andy, who was communications manager at Cheltenham for seven years, was most recently working at the Hong Kong Jockey Club as executive manager of racing public affairs.

Newbury’s Julian Thick said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit someone of Andy’s profile and experience to the senior management team here.

“He has extensive knowledge of many areas of the international racing industry and I am sure he will make a significant contribution to the future of the racecourse.”

Prof Jo Price, head of Bristol University vet school, is the new chairman for the equine rehoming charity, Horses4Homes.

Jo rehomed her ex-event horse Hobo through the charity in the spring.

“Horses4Homes may be a relatively small charity in terms of income and staff, but in terms of tackling a very real welfare issue, that of rehoming horses, it punches above its weight and its growth over the past 12 months has been exponential,” she said.

“I feel privileged to be in the driving seat of such a unique organisation supported by a talented new board of trustees who are all equally committed to sustaining the charity’s longterm future.”

Agricultural and equestrian wholesaler Trilanco has appointed Kelly Whapples as area sales manager, covering the south of England.

Kelly previously worked for Shires Equestrian and Westgate FEI.

“Trilanco has such a diverse range that there’s something for everyone. I’m looking forward to ‘selling’ the company to people, being able to offer their famous second-to-none service and stock availability to my customers, and increasing sales as well as gaining new business for Trilanco,” she said.

Ponies (UK) has a new patron in showing stalwart Suzanna Welby.

“I am honoured and delighted,” she said. “Though it is daunting to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor Joan Lee –Smith. Her legendary vision created the society of today which has been the source of so much pleasure for so many showing enthusiasts at all levels, but I will do my utmost, at all times, to promote and further the association. Here is to the brightest future.”

Chris Davies took up the post of director of horses at last month’s Royal Welsh Show.

It’s the first time there has been a change in the role in half a century — ever since the event has been held at Builth Wells.

Chris is well known as a ring judge, announcer and former huntsman, and his appointment follows the retirement of Dilwyn Thomas, a stalwart of the Royal Welsh and a frequent host of the Queen.

Roger Weatherby began his five-year term as senior steward (non-executive chairman) of The Jockey Club last month.

He has succeeded Nicholas Wrigley who held the role from July 2009.

“This is a busy and exciting time both for us and for British racing as a whole,” said Roger.

“Today The Jockey Club is a highly commercial organisation concerned with nurturing and developing many of racing’s crown jewels, but with a single purpose to act in the best longterm interests of the sport and reinvest in its future.”

Susan Pimbley, Diane Tranter, and Fred Hodges have all been elected as trustees to join the board of the British Horse Society.

Susan Pimbley is a list 4 British Dressage judge, former World Horse Welfare Trustee and was head of equine at Myerscough for 14 years.

Diane Tranter has been a member of the BHS for more than 30 years, and has volunteered over many years with British Eventing, Riding and Pony Clubs.

Fred Hodges is an instructor/coach, BHS assessor and livery yard proprietor.

Claire Aldridge, Chairman of the BHS, said: “I’m delighted to welcome our new trustees. The composition of our board of trustees gives us a good spread of interests and keeps the Society fresh with new skills, ideas and enthusiasm.”